It happens regularly — a customer comes in to complete a transfer and either forgot their ID, has an expired ID, or presents identification that does not meet federal requirements.
What Federal Law Requires
Federal law requires that dealers verify the identity of firearm buyers using government-issued photo identification showing the buyer's name, address, and date of birth.
Acceptable Forms of ID
Acceptable government-issued photo IDs include: driver's license, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport, military ID (DD Form 2), and similar government-issued photo identification. The ID must be current — expired IDs do not satisfy the requirement.
You cannot complete the transfer without acceptable ID. There is no exception that allows a dealer to complete a transfer based on the buyer's assurance that their ID is at home or in their car. The ID must be present and verified at the time of transfer.
When the ID Does Not Show a Current Address
Some government-issued IDs do not show a current address — military IDs, for example. When the primary ID does not show an address, a secondary document establishing the buyer's address is required: utility bills, bank statements, vehicle registrations, or similar documents showing the buyer's name and current address.
What to Tell the Customer
When a customer cannot complete a transfer due to ID issues, explain the requirement clearly and professionally. Let them know exactly what they need to bring. Do not start a Form 4473 that you know cannot be completed correctly.
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